SUPPORTING THE ‘BLACK CAVIAR HOUSE FULL TOUR’ LUKE NOLEN GIVES THE MARE A BIG THUMBS-UP

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, May 10, 2011

HRO, in association with the Brisbane Racing Club, is helping to promote ticket sales for the BTC Cup meeting at Doomben on Saturday which features the Queensland debut of Black Caviar, the highest rated horse in world. The aim is to fill the Doomben racetrack to capacity. Saturday is set to provide a rare treat and an occasion not to be missed. With good weather forecast for the bulk of the week and with Black Caviar having satisfactory completed a gallop at Doomben this morning, it is all systems go for the big day. Don’t hesitate. Book now!

After being shown the track on Saturday, Black Caviar, this time with big race jockey Luke Nolen aboard, was given a second gallop at the Doomben track this morning and the powerful mare got a big thumbs-up from her regular pilot after he had stepped down from the saddle.

“Yeah, we just showed her around the track again. She was here Saturday but we gave her another look around,” said Nolen.

“I thought she galloped soundly. She wasn’t here to break any records.

“She’s only had really two lots of serious work since the TJ Smith. She had ten days at the water-walker and I think that just sharpened her up a bit. She obviously had a big ride on the float on the way up … the plane couldn’t get her here.

“I think she has sharpened up mentally and physically too. It will probably sound a bit cocky, but I think there is improvement in her after Saturday and I think that will top her up nicely into the (Doomben) 10 000.

“That gallop will help her again. I was happy with the way she got around the track as well … so Doomben holds no fears.

“We just did a half mile and then just increased at the three and let her stride up two. She did it well within herself. Had her ears pricked a bit too. She was having a look but that was what she was here to do.

“She got into the corner really good. She was on the right leg and she leaned into it nicely. The camber here helps too I suppose as well … and she’s been doing a lot of her work the reverse way home since the Newmarket.

“All I want really is just to get my chance. I think if she turns up here race-day … look out!

“No, I can’t worry about Hay List. I didn’t worry about him last time. I think I was the only one who wasn’t worried. I’ve got tremendous faith in this mare and I know what she can do.

“I think what you saw in Sydney, it probably just added another string to her bow. She can come from well off them and give them a touch up.

“I don’t know this time … she might even be a bit sharper again. You might see her race like she did in the Newmarket and I’ll take her right up to them.

“I’ll just ride her to suit her. I can’t worry too much about the others because I can’t ride them.

“The only time I get a bit nervous is when I gallop her … just so I don’t stuff it up or a wheel come flying off.

“Race-day she puts you very much at ease because she has got the most relaxed demeanour come race-day.

“You’ll see her here in the yard on Saturday and, fair dinkum, she gets further and further away from the horse in front of her because she is just so relaxed. She just soaks it all up and that sort of puts you at ease.

“I don’t have any dramas riding her race-day, it just gets a little bit tense every now and then when I gallop her.

“No wheels have fallen off today and it looks like she has come through the gallop pretty good.

“I suppose everyone coming to the races are going to be looking at one horse. I hope she shows up and gives them a treat. I hope for the club’s sale as well as mine, Pete’s and all the owners that she turns up and makes it lucky number thirteen.

“As far as we’re concerned we’re happy with her and we’re really looking forward to Saturday.”

As at Tuesday morning, tickets still available* for the BTC Cup meeting featuring the world’s highest rated horse, Black Cavair, on Saturday, May 14, 2011 are:

General admission - 9891 tickets available.
Home Lawn Straight - 27 spaces (or 270 tickets) tickets available.
The Lookout – Sold Out
The Grove – Sold Out

Do not miss out! Go and purchase your ticket now!

*Figures supplied by Brisbane Racing Club.

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